In this episode of The Conversation Weekly podcast, as Scotland prepares to vote in landmark parliamentary elections on May 6, we explore why the question of independence from the UK is dominating the debate. And a team of researchers working with fruit flies, has discovered a biological switch that can turn neuroplasticity on and off in the brain. What might that mean?
It’s been seven years since Scotland voted to remain in the UK in the 2014 independence referendum. At the time, it was billed as a once-in-a-generation vote, but now Scotland’s first minister, Nicola Sturgeon, argues that the UK’s Brexit from the European Union is a change significant enough to warrant a second referendum. Meanwhile, support has been growing for independence over the past few years.
Here are your candidates and what they represent.
HUMZA YOUSAF (SNP) It has been a huge honour representing the people of Glasgow Pollok since 2016. As the local MSP I have helped over 4000 constituents. I have supported countless local organisations, many of whom have benefitted from Scottish Government funding. My priority has been to tackle inequality in Glasgow Pollok. From Arden in the South of my constituency to Govan in the North and all the communities in-between, I have seen the benefit our policies have made to people’s everyday lives. We will build on that progress by doubling the Scottish Child Payment, by giving every School pupil a laptop so they are equipped for the digital age, creating a National Care Service and building another 100,000 affordable homes.
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Police have been contacted after a north-east Conservative supporter received a “sinister” warning on a sign purportedly from ultra-nationalist group Siol nan Gaidheal.
A private landowner near Aboyne found the message, which referenced the Siol nan Gaidheal group, next to an election campaign sign supporting Alexander Burnett, a former MSP and Tory candidate in Aberdeenshire West.
The sign stated: “WHAT HAS THIS MAN DONE FOR YOU.”
It was accompanied by a message that read: “Please don’t remove this information or this sign, or I will be compelled to remove all signs referring to Burnett or Indy Ref 2.
When don t know s were taken into account, 49 percent of Scots would vote to remain in the Union and 43 percent were in favour of separation.
Scottish Conservative leader at Holyrood, Ruth Davidson, said: By my count, that s the sixth poll in a row showing majority support for staying in the UK.
The poll also revealed most Scots think recovery from COVID-19 was the most important issue facing the country today.
In contrast, only eight percent said independence is one of the top three issues facing Scotland.
When asked to choose up to three of the most important issues currently facing Scotland, 53 percent selected COVID-19 recovery, 48 percent said NHS and social care and 46 percent economy and jobs.
| UPDATED: 16:05, Sun, Mar 14, 2021
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The latest Panelbase polling reveals only 25 percent of Scots would support holding a second independence referendum in the next year. Meanwhile, the poll showed only 45 percent say it should not take place for the next few years.